Sedley's Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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149123 Unique Reference Number 30 November 2006 Inspection date Suzanne Joyce Stedman Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged ten and 13 in Southend on Sea, Essex. The whole of the childminder’s house excluding the bedrooms is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding ten children including seven children over eight. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family keep chickens.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a very clean and well maintained home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices by being encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children understand the reason why they need to follow thorough hand washing practices in order to maintain their good health and keep their hands free from germs. The childminder sets an excellent example to the children, making sure she washes her hands before preparing food and after changing the baby and ensures potties, changing mats and high chairs are all cleaned with anti-bacterial cleaner. The childminder ensures her first aid certificate is kept up-to-date and in order to guarantee children are well cared for and treated if accidents happen.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of nutrition helps the children to increase their awareness of the types of food and drink that contributes to a healthy diet. A very nitritous diet is provided for the children with an abundance of fruit and fresh vegetable some are provided by a parent that has an allotment. The childminder keeps chickens so free range eggs are in abundance which the children like to help collect. The children benefit because the childminder has clear procedures in place to find out about individual dietary needs, as well as the children's likes and dislikes and caters to special diets for medical reasons.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills, when walking to and from school daily, taking part in games with the ride on and sit on toys in the garden. They thoroughly enjoy trips to Priory Park where they are able to use the swings, slides and climbing apparatus. They enthusiastically participate in dancing and obstacle courses with the childminder in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an extremely welcoming and comfortable family home. Their independence is fostered because they can move safely around the home which is safe and secure. The childminder is careful to ensure all safety equipment is in place and she is able to identify and minimise risks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are competent about keeping themselves safe both inside and outside the home. They practise the fire evacuation procedure regularly and learn how to cross the road safely, using the zebra crossing and take it in turns to remind the other children of the green cross code.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a broad range of inviting and well maintained toys and equipment which caters for the children cared for from 11 months to 11 years. Resources are regularly checked for safety and cleanliness and are easily accessible in the playroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected by the childminder's competent knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very relaxed and well settled in the setting. They relate fondly to the childminder and approach her for help and support. They enjoy the company of the other children and are learning to play co-operatively with them. They are keen to take part in the activities provided and the clear daily routines help them to feel secure. For example children proficiently feed the chickens and help to collect the eggs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to take part in an extensive range of activities which are planned and prepared in advance. They particularly enjoy walking down the Pier to look for fish, play spotting landmarks on the shore and race from one point to the other on the walk back. Children are enthusiastic about treasure hunts on the beach the childminder gives them a list of things to find starting with A and working through the alphabet, to see who can find the most items relating to that letter.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a childminder who ensures she is sensitive to children's individual needs and provides a large selection of play activities that promotes children learning such as reading, counting, size and colour recognition, for example, enjoyment was evident as the little girl as making animals with the childminder and enjoying making animal sounds. The baby played happily on the xylophone enjoying the sounds he was making.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from a broad range of resources and play materials reflecting positive images of culture, disability and gender provided by the childminder. They have first –rate opportunities to learn about different cultures by celebrating a range of festivals such as Easter, Halloween and Chinese New Year. The childminder has sound knowledge of caring for children with special needs and respects their individual needs by finding out about their daily routines, likes and dislikes before care begins.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand the difference between right and wrong, through the clear and consistent behaviour management strategies and the good role model that the childminder sets. She is very positive with the children and uses praise well and consistently. Children are learning to share and take turns. She works well in the best interest of the children sharing behaviour management strategies with the school and parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Consistent care is provided as the childminder works closely with the parents. Parents receive daily information about their child's care and achievements. A journal is kept for all the children under three which includes photographs, routines and activities. She ensures that verbal feedback is given daily and often meets parents at the weekend to discuss parenting skills. Clear and detailed information is requested from parents before care begins about the children's likes, dislikes, fears and routines thus enabling children's individual needs to be met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, learning and welfare are well supported in this setting. The childminder has completed appropriate training and continually updates her good practice via the internet and publications. She is in good health and ensures children are only cared for by persons who have been suitably vetted.

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Organisation

The environment is well organised to ensure children can take part in all types of play and have their care needs met. The whole of the childminder's home excluding the bedrooms is registered to provide care. She has a dedicated playroom with a broad range of activities easily accessible to children so they are able to access play materials freely. She consistently complies with her conditions of registration.

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Organisation

A comprehensive range of documentation to support the childminder's practice is in place and is stored confidentially and in good order. The childminder is aware of the requirement to inform Ofsted of any significant events. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A good range of resources are in place for the older children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • update documentation by obtaining a copy of the Addendum.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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